Leylah Fernandez Cruises Into US Open Third Round

Canadian tennis standout Leylah Fernandez successfully navigated her way into the third round of the 2026 US Open. The 31st-seeded player delivered a clinical performance on Wednesday, overcoming Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew with a final score of 6-4, 6-1. The match, which lasted one hour and 18 minutes, showcased the Laval native's ability to maintain control on the hard courts of New York.

Throughout the contest, Fernandez demonstrated her tactical prowess by capitalizing on key opportunities. She successfully converted six of her eight break-point chances, effectively neutralizing her opponent's service games. Despite recording 29 unforced errors, her aggressive playstyle allowed her to dictate the pace of the match and secure a comfortable path to the next stage of the Grand Slam tournament.

This victory marks the second consecutive year that Fernandez has reached the third round at the US Open. Her journey in this year's tournament began with a strong opening-round win against Zhang Shuai, and her latest performance against Sawangkaew further solidified her status as a formidable competitor in the draw. By avoiding dropped sets in her first two matches, she has maintained a clean record heading into the deeper rounds.

Following her win, the focus for the 23-year-old shifted immediately to her upcoming challenge. Fernandez was slated to face the No. 3 seed, Jessica Pegula, in a highly anticipated third-round showdown. The two players have a history of competitive matchups, and the encounter promised to be a significant test for the Canadian as she aimed to extend her stay in the tournament.